…Urges Journalists On Professional Ethics
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday endorsed in principle some fiscal relief measures canvassed by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) to mitigate the lingering operational challenges in the nation’s media sector.
Earlier while delivering his address at the forum, President of the NGE, Mr. Eze Anaba, lamented that the country’s harsh economic realities had plunged the media sector into financial distress and solicited the Federal Government’s remedial policy measures to sustain the sector.
Specifically, appealed to President Tinubu to approve corporate tax relief for 10 years, VAT exemptions, tax deductions, and access to affordable financing for media organizations in order to strengthen the fourth estate of the realm in the fulfillment of its mandate in governance and national development.
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In his response to the plea, the President who declared open the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, urged the editors to perform their gate-keeping role with fairness and patriotism, noting that irresponsible reporting and misinformation could undermine national cohesion and democratic governance in the country.
Tinubu said: “I have listened to the Guild’s requests — corporate tax relief, VAT extension, affordable loans from the Bank of Industry, and development grants for digitization. You know, as your President, I endorse your proposal. Your request is in my pocket.”
While commending the media for promoting democracy, the President warned that cynicism and unverified reports had the potential of threatening Nigeria’s unity.
He maintained: “Verification must be your anchor. Balance must be your principle. Criticize government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness. Let your aim be to help build, not destroy.” he said.
The President restated his administration’s commitment to restoring economic stability, attracting investment, and improving citizens’ welfare, adding that the pains associated with the ongoing reforms are necessary to curb corruption and lay a solid foundation for recovery.
In his keynote address at the conference, Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, harped on the roles of editors in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future, stressing that the editors “are not spectators in 2027; you are catalysts. The narratives you shape will determine whether Nigerians see the elections through a tribal lens or a shared national destiny.”
He cautioned that without electoral integrity, democracy cannot survive and, therefore, charged the editors to embrace accuracy, verification, and context over sensationalism.
In his remarks at the event, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended President Tinubu for being the first President in office to attend an NGE conference, describing it as a big acknowledgment of the fourth estate.
The minister assured the editors that the administration’s planned tax reforms would strengthen infrastructure and social services, while the government would consider the NGE’s tax relief proposals.
